Chapter 127 - 2‐9
"What... exactly do you mean by that?"
"Exactly what I just said. To be blunt, I am asking you to side with me."
The dinner that evening had been wrapped in a peaceful atmosphere—until Prince Ricardo spoke those words while sipping his post-meal tea.
Side with him. No one present could fail to understand the weight of that phrase. Prince Ricardo spoke with a casual smile, as if merely commenting on the weather. In contrast to Prince Isaac's heavy aura beside him, Louis-sama let out a soft breath and leaned back, crossing his arms. He fixed Prince Ricardo with a sharp, steady gaze.
"Are you saying you are aiming for the position of Crown Prince?"
"Yes. I appreciate how quickly you catch on."
The position of Crown Prince...
In the Kingdom of Orta, the most prominent candidate for the next Crown Prince was still the first prince, Prince Faust. This was largely because the Queen, who came from one of the country's leading ducal houses, supported him. While the first prince had no notable achievements, the backing of a ducal house with ancient ties to the royal family was a massive advantage.
In contrast, the second prince, Prince Ricardo, was Prince Faust's younger twin. In the past, twins were loathed as ill omens that would destroy a clan. While times had changed and no one criticized them openly anymore, the sentiment remained deeply rooted among the high nobility. I had heard that even now, the younger twin was often sent away for adoption.
Prince Ricardo must have faced harsh treatment despite being royalty. It was said that he had overcome this through his overwhelming ability. Thanks to that, the voices of the rising nobility supporting him were growing louder.
Even so, for the Kingdom of Dutoit to support Prince Ricardo...
"I cannot agree to that immediately. If Dutoit were to back you, and—forgive my bluntness—Prince Faust were chosen as the Crown Prince anyway, it would severely impact our future alliance."
"As expected, the Crown Prince is cautious. It is true that I am currently only the second prince, and the voices supporting my brother remain loud."
"And you have the confidence to overturn that?"
Louis-sama's answer must have been within expectations. Prince Isaac didn't interject, simply holding his tea. He showed no sign of agitation or any intent to persuade us. However, at Louis-sama's question, the hand holding his tea paused slightly. He quirked the corner of his mouth in amusement before bringing the cup to his lips.
Prince Ricardo's expression remained unchanged, his smile never wavering. Yet, from his narrowed eyes, I thought I saw a flash of iron will in his dark violet pupils, and I found myself staring in spite of myself.
"Of course."
At Prince Ricardo's powerful words, Louis-sama let out a sigh. Unlike his previous breath, this one was heavy and weary.
"I understand. I also understand why you went so far as to reveal a national secret to invite Rachel to Orta. The backing you want isn't me... no, it isn't Dutoit. What you want is—the Dark Saint. In other words, proof that you have been recognized by Rachel."
Prince Ricardo brushed off Louis-sama's cold gaze with a smile. "I am grateful that you require so little explanation," he said, his grin widening.
"Me...?"
"Yes, you. The god worshipped in Orta is the Spirit King... specifically, the one of Darkness. If it were known that the one recognized as the Saint—the messenger of that god—had acknowledged me, the tide would turn instantly."
"Yes, but..."
"I know. You cannot simply say yes. Therefore, I won't ask for an answer right now. I only ask that you consider whether it would be more beneficial for you if I were the next king. That is all I can say for now."
As I stood bewildered by Prince Ricardo's words, Prince Isaac cast a concerned look my way. At that moment, Louis-sama gently placed his hand over mine, which I had been gripping tightly under the table. Following the warmth of his hand, I looked up at him. He kept his sharp gaze fixed forward but squeezed my hand firmly. He spoke without looking away from Prince Ricardo.
"I did not realize you were such an ambitious man."
"Ambition, is it? I suppose it can be seen that way. ...Lady Saint, how does this country look in your eyes?"
"Well... I only know what I have seen on the way here and inside this palace. However, I felt it was very modern."
My shoulders jumped at the unexpected question. I quickly recalled the journey from the border to the palace to answer him. Looking out the carriage window with Louis-sama and Theodore-sama, I had seen the streets. Unlike Dutoit, which still bore the scars of war, Orta had focused on defense without engaging in conflict since its founding. Its people and cities looked wealthier than those in Dutoit.
On the other hand, perhaps because Orta had little contact with other nations, it cherished its own unique culture above all else. It lacked flexibility—it could even be called exclusionary.
"Lady Rachel, that is Orta's famous Magic Tower. The techniques of this country's mages are quite something. They've been creating unimaginable magic tools for hundreds of years, as if they've seen the future. In terms of technical skill, they still surpass Dutoit. Though, I don't know if that will hold in ten years. Why? Because Dutoit has me. Besides, Orta's brilliance is fading day by day, while the surrounding countries are catching up at high speed."
Theodore-sama's words came back to me as I thought of the magnificent tower soaring at the edge of the royal capital.
"Indeed. As a result of our conviction to close the country and protect our secrets, we stabilized the nation to this point without relying on others. But that has reached its limit. The fact that the dark spirits moved to the forest is one of the factors. While this country prioritized development and protection, it lost something far more important."
I remembered Leonie-sama telling me that the Spirit Land where the dark spirits lived—that forest—had stopped in time about fifty years ago. That meant the dark spirits originally living in Orta's forests had been unable to stay here for some reason and moved to that forest.
"It might be fine if we only look at the present. But what about our children, our grandchildren, and those beyond them? I want to protect the future of this country."
I looked up at Prince Ricardo's dignified, quiet voice. I was struck speechless by his expression. His face, as he prayed for his country's future, held the same look of resolve as Louis-sama's.
While I stood there dazed, Louis-sama merely muttered, "I see."
"And you believe the first prince is incapable of that?"
"You know my brother, don't you? He does not have the caliber of a king."
" I understand what you are trying to say, Prince Ricardo. However, I cannot give my consent immediately."
"I thought as much. In that case, shall I try a different approach to earn your trust?"
A different approach?
"Lady Rachel, shall we study together tomorrow?"
"With you, Prince Ricardo?"
"Yes, with me."
Prince Ricardo gave me a gentle, calm smile while I stood there with a blank expression. Beside me, Louis-sama unhappily shifted his legs.
As the dinner—which was far from peaceful—came to an end, a strong wind from outside rattled the room's windows.